ABA & Behavioral Supports in Massachusetts Adult Day Programs

Massachusetts DDS describes Positive Behavior Supports (PBS) as a regulatory framework used to improve individual supports and drive systems change.

In DDS-regulated settings, behavior supports should be designed to promote dignity, safety, and rights — not to run a program for staff convenience.

• Day Habilitation (DH): Behavior supports may show up inside a person's plan through goal-based teaching, environmental changes, communication supports, and staff coaching — when those supports are consistent with DDS rules and the person's rights.
• Community-Based Day Supports (CBDS): Supports should help the person participate in community life and build skills — while keeping rights and dignity central.
• PBS approach: DDS PBS materials describe a proactive, teaching-focused framework (not a punishment model).

Oversight in DDS services includes DDS regulations on dignity and rights (115 CMR 5.00) and the Human Rights Committee framework in 115 CMR 3.09.

Whatever model a team uses (including ABA-style methods), DDS rules still require a structure that protects rights and keeps restrictive practices tightly controlled.

• Dignity & rights: DDS standards set expectations to protect welfare and dignity in DDS-certified / DDS-operated settings.
• Human Rights Committee review: DDS regulations establish Human Rights Committees and describe their role in protecting human rights in covered services.
• Crisis & restraint controls: DDS regulations include a "Crisis Prevention, Response, and Restraint" section within 115 CMR 5.00.

If you are reviewing a plan that includes restrictions, ask the team which DDS regulation section they are using as the basis for the restriction and what oversight steps apply.

DDS publishes PBS resources and describes PBS as a framework for improving individual treatment and encouraging systems change. If your provider says they use PBS, you can ask which DDS PBS resources and training expectations they follow.

The safest way to verify claims is to read the DDS regulation sections yourself and ask your program how they apply them in day-to-day operations.

Use this as a practical review lens when someone proposes a behavior plan:

• Where is it written? Ask for the written plan and which DDS regulation(s) the plan is designed to follow.
• What rights could it affect? If the plan limits access, movement, communication, privacy, or choice, ask how rights protections are being handled.
• What oversight applies? Ask whether a Human Rights Committee review is required for any component.
• What is the crisis pathway? If the plan references emergencies or restraint, ask how the program aligns with DDS "Crisis Prevention, Response, and Restraint" rules.

This is not legal advice — it's a way to keep the conversation anchored to the state's published standards.

These questions help you confirm how a plan works in practice and whether it's anchored to DDS rules and PBS expectations:

• What is the exact goal, and what does "success" mean?
• What supports are being added (teaching, environment, staff approach) before anything restrictive is considered?
• Which DDS regulation sections are you using as the basis for this plan?
• Does anything in the plan limit the person's rights or choices? If yes, what oversight and review applies?
• If the plan references emergencies or restraint, what steps does the program follow to stay aligned with DDS CPRR rules?

These are the official Massachusetts DDS pages used to ground the factual statements above.

• DDS Regulations (index): DDS Regulations (Mass.gov list)
• 115 CMR 5.00 (Standards to Promote Dignity): Regulation page (Mass.gov) / PDF download
• 115 CMR 3.00 (Administration; includes 3.09 HRC): PDF download (Mass.gov)
• Positive Behavior Supports (PBS): PBS resources (Mass.gov)

This page is for education only and does not provide medical, clinical, or legal advice. For official requirements, rely on DDS / EOHHS publications and your care team.